50 Cool Pools to Help You Beat the Heat
Immerse yourself in these dreamy photos of refreshing in-ground swimming pools across the country
Whether you’re designing a pool or just daydreaming about one magically appearing in your backyard, you’ll be swimming in inspiration after flipping through these photos of luxurious pool projects recently uploaded to Houzz. Many have integrated hot tubs and infinity edges, most are crisp and clean-lined, and all look like they’d be heaven on a hot summer day. Let’s dive in!
Pure Salt Interiors
2. In Los Gatos, California, this house is all about indoor-outdoor living, complete with a fire pit, a pool house bar and a crystalline blue pool with an integrated hot tub.
2. In Los Gatos, California, this house is all about indoor-outdoor living, complete with a fire pit, a pool house bar and a crystalline blue pool with an integrated hot tub.
Lisa Sherry Interieurs
3. One can sip an Aperol spritz on the loggia after taking a dip in the pool at this North Carolina home.
3. One can sip an Aperol spritz on the loggia after taking a dip in the pool at this North Carolina home.
Hsu McCullough
4. East Coast meets West Coast at this shingled Sherman Oaks, California, house. The backyard has a large lap pool with square tile at the waterline (around the pool’s perimeter) and is shaded by a pretty sycamore tree.
4. East Coast meets West Coast at this shingled Sherman Oaks, California, house. The backyard has a large lap pool with square tile at the waterline (around the pool’s perimeter) and is shaded by a pretty sycamore tree.
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Kelley Design Group
5. An inviting blue plunge pool adds a splash of color to this black, white and wood modern farmhouse in Austin, Texas.
5. An inviting blue plunge pool adds a splash of color to this black, white and wood modern farmhouse in Austin, Texas.
Aquatica Pools & Spas
6. Pool ledges (aka Baja, Acapulco or sun shelves), such as the one in this South Carolina pool, are a cool place for relaxing without getting totally wet. Kids, those with mobility issues and dogs can take advantage of their shallow depth too.
25 Ways to Pump Up Your Pool for Summer Fun
6. Pool ledges (aka Baja, Acapulco or sun shelves), such as the one in this South Carolina pool, are a cool place for relaxing without getting totally wet. Kids, those with mobility issues and dogs can take advantage of their shallow depth too.
25 Ways to Pump Up Your Pool for Summer Fun
Id3 designs
7. Colorful, wild-looking plantings and forest views help the pool at this modern Vermont home blend into the landscape.
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7. Colorful, wild-looking plantings and forest views help the pool at this modern Vermont home blend into the landscape.
Get summer gardening tips
Kate Anne Landscape Design & Build
8. A kidney-shaped pool and integrated circular hot tub with blue patterned waterline tile complement this Spanish-style home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. A stone-and-paver patio, lush plantings and a tree swing add to the relaxed atmosphere.
8. A kidney-shaped pool and integrated circular hot tub with blue patterned waterline tile complement this Spanish-style home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles. A stone-and-paver patio, lush plantings and a tree swing add to the relaxed atmosphere.
Landscape Design West
9. If you can tear your eyes away from the view beyond this Tucson, Arizona, pool’s infinity edge, you’ll see succulents and flowering plants chosen to attract native pollinators.
9. If you can tear your eyes away from the view beyond this Tucson, Arizona, pool’s infinity edge, you’ll see succulents and flowering plants chosen to attract native pollinators.
Benning Construction
10. Zoom in to check out the colorful waterline tile in this remodeled 1971 Streng Bros. house in Sacramento, California. A fire pit, horizontal fencing and xeriscaping complement the rectilinear shapes and midcentury modern vibe.
10. Zoom in to check out the colorful waterline tile in this remodeled 1971 Streng Bros. house in Sacramento, California. A fire pit, horizontal fencing and xeriscaping complement the rectilinear shapes and midcentury modern vibe.
Studio Steinbomer
11. Architect Jed Duhon went with classic Palm Springs blue for the pool at his midcentury modern-inspired house in Austin, Texas.
Read more about this house
11. Architect Jed Duhon went with classic Palm Springs blue for the pool at his midcentury modern-inspired house in Austin, Texas.
Read more about this house
Island Studio Productions
12. In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this modern mansion has a spectacular pool and hot tub right on the riverfront.
12. In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, this modern mansion has a spectacular pool and hot tub right on the riverfront.
Hawkins-Welwood Homes
13. The pool area of this transitional house in Dallas nods to classical design with clearly defined geometry, blue mosaic tile, lantern-topped pedestals, well-manicured vegetation and a bubbler fountain in the hot tub.
13. The pool area of this transitional house in Dallas nods to classical design with clearly defined geometry, blue mosaic tile, lantern-topped pedestals, well-manicured vegetation and a bubbler fountain in the hot tub.
FoxLin Architects
14. In Newport Beach, California, this house opens to a multilevel pool and hot tub with a ledge and a Bali-inspired gazebo for entertaining.
The Top 10 Pools of 2021
14. In Newport Beach, California, this house opens to a multilevel pool and hot tub with a ledge and a Bali-inspired gazebo for entertaining.
The Top 10 Pools of 2021
Conte & Conte
15. Surrounded by a plush green lawn and several entertaining zones, this pool and hot tub — part of an expansive modern-farmhouse complex in Westchester County, New York — offer a slice of the good life. Feast on the rest of the pie by clicking through these project photos.
15. Surrounded by a plush green lawn and several entertaining zones, this pool and hot tub — part of an expansive modern-farmhouse complex in Westchester County, New York — offer a slice of the good life. Feast on the rest of the pie by clicking through these project photos.
Jennifer Stoner Interiors
16. This Midlothian, Virginia, manse boasts a 40-foot pool surrounded by sitting and dining areas, a pergola, a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen and bar.
16. This Midlothian, Virginia, manse boasts a 40-foot pool surrounded by sitting and dining areas, a pergola, a fire pit and an outdoor kitchen and bar.
Cutters Landscaping
17. Midcentury modern-style accents, including bold geometric tile and Acapulco chairs, lend big personality to this compact plunge pool in Austin, Texas.
17. Midcentury modern-style accents, including bold geometric tile and Acapulco chairs, lend big personality to this compact plunge pool in Austin, Texas.
Amy Storm & Co.
18. A sense of calm inside this Illinois modern farmhouse continues out to the pool area, which benefits from cool tones and crisp lines.
18. A sense of calm inside this Illinois modern farmhouse continues out to the pool area, which benefits from cool tones and crisp lines.
Seibert Architects
20. If you love the lines and colors of this midcentury modern masterpiece in Lido Shores, Florida, wait until you check out the nighttime view.
20. If you love the lines and colors of this midcentury modern masterpiece in Lido Shores, Florida, wait until you check out the nighttime view.
Luxe Remodel
21. This Spanish-style Santa Barbara, California, home is ready to entertain with a pool house and a pergola covering a television and an outdoor kitchen. Just out of view are wide chaise lounges and a fire pit surrounded by chairs.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
21. This Spanish-style Santa Barbara, California, home is ready to entertain with a pool house and a pergola covering a television and an outdoor kitchen. Just out of view are wide chaise lounges and a fire pit surrounded by chairs.
What to Know About Adding a Pergola
Guided Home Design
22. This earthy modern home battles Phoenix’s hot desert heat with a shaded outdoor dining space and a greenery-surrounded pool and hot tub. The exposed-aggregate pool decking complements the rustic wood siding and nicely contrasts the smooth stucco elements.
22. This earthy modern home battles Phoenix’s hot desert heat with a shaded outdoor dining space and a greenery-surrounded pool and hot tub. The exposed-aggregate pool decking complements the rustic wood siding and nicely contrasts the smooth stucco elements.
Olamar Interiors
23. An expanse of smooth stone rectangular pavers surrounds the pool and separate hot tub at this property in McLean, Virginia. This photo, taken from the vantage point of the diving board, merely captures the pool house; the much larger main house is just out of view.
23. An expanse of smooth stone rectangular pavers surrounds the pool and separate hot tub at this property in McLean, Virginia. This photo, taken from the vantage point of the diving board, merely captures the pool house; the much larger main house is just out of view.
Prideaux Design
24. One needn’t have endless space and a limitless budget to install an awesome pool (though of course those help). This 24¼-by-7¼-foot lap pool (plus a grilling-dining area and lounge) was squeezed into the tiny yard of a Tucson, Arizona, row house.
Read more about this home
24. One needn’t have endless space and a limitless budget to install an awesome pool (though of course those help). This 24¼-by-7¼-foot lap pool (plus a grilling-dining area and lounge) was squeezed into the tiny yard of a Tucson, Arizona, row house.
Read more about this home
Sonora West Development
25. Talk about endless: Behold the view from this property in Scottsdale, Arizona. The only question is whether to enjoy it from a lounger on the pool ledge, from the fire pit set into the pool’s center or from one of the home’s covered outdoor dining-entertaining areas.
25. Talk about endless: Behold the view from this property in Scottsdale, Arizona. The only question is whether to enjoy it from a lounger on the pool ledge, from the fire pit set into the pool’s center or from one of the home’s covered outdoor dining-entertaining areas.
Blue Sierra Landscape Construction
26. In this modern Silicon Valley backyard, drought-resistant native grasses, succulents and perennial plantings surround a pool and hot tub, a custom metal pergola covering a bar-kitchen, a large fire pit (seen at the far end of the pool) and a flexible-use modern glass “shed.”
26. In this modern Silicon Valley backyard, drought-resistant native grasses, succulents and perennial plantings surround a pool and hot tub, a custom metal pergola covering a bar-kitchen, a large fire pit (seen at the far end of the pool) and a flexible-use modern glass “shed.”
Forsite Studio
27. The pool at this central Texas home is nestled next to the living area, making it feel like an integral part of the space. Large virtually disappearing doors between the home’s public spaces and the wooden pool deck add to the effect.
27. The pool at this central Texas home is nestled next to the living area, making it feel like an integral part of the space. Large virtually disappearing doors between the home’s public spaces and the wooden pool deck add to the effect.
Perkinson Homes
28. In Richmond, Virginia, this custom residence has a pool that looks like a pristine miniature of the reservoir beyond it.
28. In Richmond, Virginia, this custom residence has a pool that looks like a pristine miniature of the reservoir beyond it.
Distinct Builders
29. In the San Francisco Bay Area, this modular home project is built for poolside cooking, with a wood-fire grill and a nearby raised garden bed.
29. In the San Francisco Bay Area, this modular home project is built for poolside cooking, with a wood-fire grill and a nearby raised garden bed.
Perla Lichi
30. To get the full effect of the infinity edge of this pool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, check out the opposite view. But first, note the twin Buddha statues that flank the edges.
30. To get the full effect of the infinity edge of this pool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, check out the opposite view. But first, note the twin Buddha statues that flank the edges.
Herlong Architects
31. A curved infinity-edge pool that virtually disappears into the water beyond it graces this estate near Charleston, South Carolina.
31. A curved infinity-edge pool that virtually disappears into the water beyond it graces this estate near Charleston, South Carolina.
Patterson Custom Homes
32. There’s so much eye candy in this Orange County, California, project — the pool with integrated hot tub is just the beginning. Here you can see the pool house flanked by a bar and a covered pingpong table; off to the side is a dining table with seating for 14.
32. There’s so much eye candy in this Orange County, California, project — the pool with integrated hot tub is just the beginning. Here you can see the pool house flanked by a bar and a covered pingpong table; off to the side is a dining table with seating for 14.
Wolstenholme Associates
33. The pool area of this lavish Bucks County, Pennsylvania, farmhouse-style estate is essentially a private water park, complete with a slide, a diving board, arching sprays and waterfalls.
33. The pool area of this lavish Bucks County, Pennsylvania, farmhouse-style estate is essentially a private water park, complete with a slide, a diving board, arching sprays and waterfalls.
Marc Julien Homes
34. Is it a pool day or a beach day? It’s both for the owners of this oceanfront Gulf Stream, Florida, residence.
34. Is it a pool day or a beach day? It’s both for the owners of this oceanfront Gulf Stream, Florida, residence.
Stillo Construction
35. This beauty is an almost archetypal example of a midcentury modern home and pool in Palm Springs, California. A separate hot tub, pergola, fire pit and putting green are out of view.
35. This beauty is an almost archetypal example of a midcentury modern home and pool in Palm Springs, California. A separate hot tub, pergola, fire pit and putting green are out of view.
Charles Cudd
36. “Ultraluxurious” and “rustic” might sound antithetical, but this Minnesota lake house, as well as its pool and outdoor entertaining area, manages to be both.
36. “Ultraluxurious” and “rustic” might sound antithetical, but this Minnesota lake house, as well as its pool and outdoor entertaining area, manages to be both.
Ryan Street Architects
38. This Dallas home has a perimeter overflow pool, which confers a clean look by allowing the water to appear even with the pool decking and the wide expanse of lawn surrounding it.
38. This Dallas home has a perimeter overflow pool, which confers a clean look by allowing the water to appear even with the pool decking and the wide expanse of lawn surrounding it.
FD Building Co.
39. Modern Adirondack chairs and a sleek rectangular pool fit the contemporary-meets-rustic aesthetic of this shingled Montauk, New York.
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39. Modern Adirondack chairs and a sleek rectangular pool fit the contemporary-meets-rustic aesthetic of this shingled Montauk, New York.
Shop for Adirondack chairs
Envision Landscape Studio
40. In this Orinda, California, backyard, a simple wood-plank pool deck, a carpet of green lawn and concrete planters create a modern, restrained foil for the surrounding lush forest.
40. In this Orinda, California, backyard, a simple wood-plank pool deck, a carpet of green lawn and concrete planters create a modern, restrained foil for the surrounding lush forest.
April Interiors
41. This house in Texas has all kinds of fun pool features. Zoom in and you’ll see bubblers, underwater stools, a tiled hot tub and loungers parked on an elevated pool ledge that’s flanked by fire pits.
Find hot tub dealers
41. This house in Texas has all kinds of fun pool features. Zoom in and you’ll see bubblers, underwater stools, a tiled hot tub and loungers parked on an elevated pool ledge that’s flanked by fire pits.
Find hot tub dealers
Nick Lee Architecture
42. The pool area of this Sonoma County, California, project combines rectilinear forms with asymmetrical plantings and raw-looking materials, such as weathered wood, concrete, steel and stone-colored waterline tile.
42. The pool area of this Sonoma County, California, project combines rectilinear forms with asymmetrical plantings and raw-looking materials, such as weathered wood, concrete, steel and stone-colored waterline tile.
Bower Leet Design
43. This backyard pool courtyard links to a gym and bowling alley in a Missouri home. Two furry lifeguards are at the ready.
43. This backyard pool courtyard links to a gym and bowling alley in a Missouri home. Two furry lifeguards are at the ready.
Feldman Architecture
44. In Atherton, California, this organically shaped pool shares a landscape with two pavilions plus redwoods and other mature trees.
44. In Atherton, California, this organically shaped pool shares a landscape with two pavilions plus redwoods and other mature trees.
Holmes Fine Gardens
45. A mix of native plants and easy-care perennials soften the stone pool deck and garden wall beside this Connecticut home. Note the massive stone slab serving as a diving board.
45. A mix of native plants and easy-care perennials soften the stone pool deck and garden wall beside this Connecticut home. Note the massive stone slab serving as a diving board.
Elite Outdoor Living
46. Breeze block-like screens, white sculptural chairs and rectangular pavers and planters give this compact Texas pool a midcentury spin.
12 Stylish Screens for Hot Tubs, Pools and Outdoor Showers
46. Breeze block-like screens, white sculptural chairs and rectangular pavers and planters give this compact Texas pool a midcentury spin.
12 Stylish Screens for Hot Tubs, Pools and Outdoor Showers
Camden Grace
47. A sustainable teak table, umbrella and reclining dining chairs complement this kidney-shaped pool’s stone deck and toolshed-cum-changing room.
47. A sustainable teak table, umbrella and reclining dining chairs complement this kidney-shaped pool’s stone deck and toolshed-cum-changing room.
Domani Architecture + Planning
48. You can almost feel the Mediterranean breeze emanating from this opulent pool and columned pool pavilion, which are in the backyard of a French-inspired home in Seal Beach, California.
48. You can almost feel the Mediterranean breeze emanating from this opulent pool and columned pool pavilion, which are in the backyard of a French-inspired home in Seal Beach, California.
The Sitting Room
49. It’s all fun and games in the backyard pool of this Minneapolis-area home. A basketball hoop is opposite the slide, and a fire pit filled with bright blue fire glass sits at the head of the pool.
49. It’s all fun and games in the backyard pool of this Minneapolis-area home. A basketball hoop is opposite the slide, and a fire pit filled with bright blue fire glass sits at the head of the pool.
Blok Builders
50. In suburban Michigan, this sweet pool house and stunning blue pool belie the grandeur of the estate — the steps to the right ascend to a fairy tale-like mansion surrounded by verdant lawn and forest.
What features would the pool of your dreams have? Tell us in the Comments.
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50. In suburban Michigan, this sweet pool house and stunning blue pool belie the grandeur of the estate — the steps to the right ascend to a fairy tale-like mansion surrounded by verdant lawn and forest.
What features would the pool of your dreams have? Tell us in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more stories about pools
Find a local landscape designer
See more pool photos
Shop for pool and spa products
1. This stone-sided pool and farmhouse-style pool house are part of a grand estate outside Philadelphia.
Find a pool contractor